26

Australia and New Zealand are linked by the memory of the First World War. Their military forces, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), fought together; and their shared experience at Gallipoli in 1915 created the “Anzac legend,” a narrative that has dominated their national memories of war. However, while New Zealand adopted conscription in 1916, the Australian electorate rejected this policy option. The Australian Imperial Force remained a volunteer force. This may help explain why the Anzac legend has been more dominant in Australian political culture than in New Zealand.